1788 Vermont Copper. RR-31, Bressett 24-U, W-2260. Rarity-5-. GEORGIVS III REX. VF-25 (PCGS).125.6 grains. Handsome deep golden-brown patina with tinges of crimson red evident on both sides, but more pronounced for the obverse. The strike is well centered with only the denticulation along the lower right obverse indistinct, reverse border through the date and the tops of ET and LIB, date also weak at its base due to a thin, meandering flan flaw in that area. The reverse is blunt in the center, typical of the variety, but with a pleasingly smooth appearance that is free of detracting blemishes. Definitely a desirable example in a highly collectible grade.<p>This Machins Mills "poster" variety is what that secret coining facility was all about -- often mixing irrelevant dies. Again, this is an official Republic of Vermont copper in addition to being a Machins Mills oddity, as the mint held the franchise. Otherwise, all other known Machins Mills pieces are counterfeits or fantasies. Collectors love them all with a passion, of course!From the Q. David Bowers Collection. Earlier ex our Philadelphia Americana Sale of September 2013, lot 446; Anthony Terranova.
